

Claire
Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!
FAMILY TRIP TO BRAZIL
Written by:Claire
Last Update: 2024-12-05
Brazil is the perfect destination to visit with the family. There are beaches, snorkeling, ziplining, and caves to explore; Plus dance schools, live music, cable cars, and interactive museums. Curiously, Brazil may actually be better for families than lone adults; it’s a very child-friendly nation where you can be confident your little ones will be well looked after. This family trip to Brazil has it all, from iconic sights to excellent cuisine, and activities for children of all ages!

Brazil Family Holiday
Salvador
Salvador is the 3rd largest city in Brazil, the state capital of tropical Bahia, and the largest African city outside Africa (a legacy of the slave trade – historians estimate that 40% of all African slaves were trafficked through here). Salvador’s colorful and cobbled 18th-century center, perched on an escarpment, is known as the Pelourinho and has held UNESCO World Heritage Site status for nearly 30 years. Salvador will satisfy all needs. Foodies will love the Bahian cuisine, which is a fusion of European, African, and Brazilian influences centered around tropical fruit, coconut, fresh seafood, and spices. For the history buff, Villa Bahia is handily sited next to the magnificently over-the-top Igreja de São Francisco, whose tiled cloisters and gold-leafed Baroque interior pay tribute to the wealth that flowed here in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Afro-Brazilian museum shares the old medical school building with the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

SUP Salvador
But there’s only so much history a toddler will suffer before the rebellion, and one of the top things to do in Salvador, Brazil, with kids is the acclaimed Salvador Zoo & Botanical Park. Perched up on the hillsides of Onida district close to the lively promenades and the Atlantic coast, this is unquestionably a fine way to while away the day whilst also offering the little ones an intro into the amazing fauna and flora of this part of South America. Together, the enclosures here contain over 1,500 individual species and countless types of plant life. There’s a very big focus on preserving and showcasing life from the Brazilian rainforests and the surrounding state of Bahia, particularly those last remaining dashes of Atlantic forest. Cue displays of snapping crocodiles, elusive panthers, all manner of exotic monkeys, long-necked ostriches, and even vibrantly colored parrots. All that’s mixed in with a more traditional array of sub-Saharan African creatures, such as hippos, zebra, and the more common customers, peacocks, and flamingos.

Flamingos at The Zoo
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro might be better known for its lively beaches, vibrant Carnaval, and sprawling “favelas” (shanty towns), but it has plenty to offer for families and kids of all ages. Fun-loving Rio has many child-friendly enclaves and attractions. Visit the Museo do Indio to learn about indigenous cultures; the living quarters of several tribes are recreated in the gardens. Kids will love the cable car ride up the 369m-high Sugarloaf Mountain, as well as the panoramic city and bay views from the top. Rio de Janeiro has many child-friendly enclaves and attractions. Visit the Museo do Indio to learn about indigenous cultures; the living quarters of several tribes are recreated in the gardens. Older children can join a flotation tour in a “Natural Aquarium” – the clear waters of the Baía Bonita Ecological Reserve near the southern Pantanal. Wearing a wetsuit and snorkeling gear, you can float almost 1km, immersed in the underwater world. The journey there leads you through various ecosystems, and at the end, there is a zipline in the forest. Don´t forget the Family Beaches in Rio de Janeiro....No visit to Rio is complete without taking a stroll in Copacabana, Ipanema, or Leblon beaches, enjoying fresh coconut water at sunset, watching beach soccer and volleyball, and reveling in a slower pace of life.

Football on The Rio Beach
Families with babies and toddlers will not want to miss the Baixo Bebe point in Leblon, a kiosk/children’s play area. Parents can sit up at the kiosk while watching the little ones enjoy the slides and play structures in an enclosed area. Finally, since no mention of Brazil would be complete without a soccer reference, it is worth noting that Maracanã, the iconic football stadium, offers daily guided visits, which are sure to be a hit with that football fan in your family.

Tha Máracana
Iguazu Falls
The way you choose to experience Iguazu Falls will largely depend on your family and the ages of your children. Both Brazil and Argentina offer access to the waterfalls, and you can spend one day on each side or longer, depending on your vacation plans. Make your way to the tranquil waterfront and board one of the boat tours located there. You’ll have a choice between a wet boat, which nears the waterfalls and soaks its occupants, and a dry boat experience. Both provide incredible views. Hike your way to spectacular views, as on both sides of the falls, Iguazu National Park offers well-marked hiking trails, boardwalks, and short walks, so you have plenty of options to choose from. Enjoy easily accessible lookouts, or make your way to the boardwalk that takes you as close to the waterfalls as possible. Here you can enjoy the feel of mist as the panoramic views surround you.

Boat ride Under The Falls
Ride the Iguazu Falls Eco Train on the Argentinian side of the park for the ultimate family activity. This slow locomotive provides spectacular views of the Falls from many different vantage points. This is a good option for families with children, saving much-needed energy to explore the Falls close-up on foot. Fly over the Falls for a panoramic view. A scenic helicopter tour may provide the thrill your family is looking for on this adventure. There are 30-minute flights, or a shorter 10-minute flight, where you can experience panoramic views of the falls and the surrounding nature, a scene your children will talk about for years to come.

Happy Family at Iguazu
So, you are now convinced to travel to Brazil with your family! Find out more information here!






